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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #200669
Title: Marek's disease virus molecular biology, oncogenesis and immunoprophylaxis

Author
item Lee, Lucy
item Silva, Robert

Submitted to: Poultry Health Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: 9/25/2006
Publication Date: 10/15/2006
Citation: Lee, L.F., Silva, R.F. 2006. Marek's disease virus molecular biology, oncogenesis and immunoprophylaxis. In: Poultry Health Conference Proceedings. 13th Conference of Chinese Avian Pathologists, October 15-19, 2006, Changsha, China. p. 47-49.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Significant advances in MD research in the field of molecular biology of MDV have occurred since 2000. The complete DNA sequence of representatives of all three MDV serotypes and the development of new techniques to mutate the MDV genome have resulted in a wealth of information on the function of MDV genes. These two developments represent a quantum leap in MDV technology. Through these technologies, we will not only advance our understanding of basic viral properties and host response but also enhance the possibilities of novel vaccines. Immunoprophylaxis has been the central control strategy for MD since development of the first vaccines in the late 1960's. The first vaccine, an attenuated serotype 1 was effective but was quickly superseded by turkey herpesvirus (HVT) which was equally effective but less expensive and also available in a cell-free form. Another attenuated serotype 1, strain CVI988 was initially utilized in The Netherlands but in recent years has been used in many countries. Currently, vaccines appear to be controlling MD pathogenesis in the field. Although vaccination can prevent disease, vaccination does not prevent virus shedding. Thus, MDV continues to circulate (and mutate) in the field. We do not know which viral or cellular genes are involved in virus shedding. Identifying these genes would be a first step in preventing the continual transmission of virulent MDV. Furthermore, we may be reaching a limit on generating better vaccines using conventional strategies. We believe future recombinant vaccines may offer the best hope of developing more efficacious vaccine.